Having the right tools for the right job makes any job easier.  For firefighters, having the right tools is also a matter of safety.

Trucks, turnout gear, hose, and medical equipment are among standard equipment you’ll find in the City of Greer’s fire stations.  A new piece of equipment made possible by Greenville County discretionary funds requested by County Councilman Joe Baldwin will make a tedious and potentially dangerous task much safer for the city’s firefighters.

The RollNRack battery powered hose management system allows personnel to drain, roll, and load hose at Fire Station One on W. Poinsett St. faster and more safely than they could by hand.  The task has previously been accomplished by centering the hose beneath the slowly moving fire truck while personnel follow behind the vehicle.

“Considering each roll weighs about 110 pounds, it means we’re loading and unloading about 1,600 pounds of hose on a truck,” Capt. Dwayne Duncan said.  “This equipment allows us to roll hose ranging from one and a half inches to five inches and transport it safely to the truck.”

The equipment was on Fire Chief Chris Harvey’s wish list when Baldwin asked if there were any capital items the fire department had not been able to work into its operating budget.  Baldwin, who had assisted other local fire departments, requested and received $2,813 in discretionary funds from Greenville County.

“I can’t think of a more appropriate use of those funds than for public safety.  Coming right after 9/11, first responders are in our thoughts and how they put their lives on the line every day,” Baldwin said.  “I’m also very aware how frustrating it is that some in the city don’t get some services from the county despite paying county taxes.  This is a way of giving back.”

Baldwin said his15 years of service as a Greer City Councilman helped him recognize the value of such a gift —a realization echoed by Greer City Administrator Ed Driggers.

“The city’s department heads do an extremely good job of managing their budgets, a task that has become increasingly difficult over the past three years with the economic downturn and cuts to the overall city budget,” Driggers said.  “We apply for many grants and have been able to purchase capital items that are absolutely necessary.  We’re very grateful that Councilman Baldwin understands the value of city services and that he is willing to assist our departments.”

Baldwin also recently presented two checks worth just over $6,700 to Mayor Rick Danner to supplement the city’s road paving program.